Wow, what an awesome story and what a great first fish.

Congrats Chris !!!
You certainly earned that fish with all of your research and hard work. Muskie fishing is a funny sport and for those that haven't put in all that work will never understand the feeling of releasing the fish that you just worked so hard to catch.

I guide for muskies on Lake Evergreen in central Illinois. Look me up - Drop me an email or call me.
I would love to share my boat with you sometime. I used to spend my Summers in Anchorage with my dad back in the early - mid 80's. I think we would have a lot to talk about ...

Again, CONGRATS !!!!

Thad Hinshaw